dust storm

American  

[duhst stawrm] / ˈdʌst ˌstɔrm /

Or duststorm

noun

Meteorology.

1. an occurrence of strong winds permeating the air with fine particles of dust over an extensive area of normally arable land during a period of drought.

   It was a time of danger and despair on the prairie, with one dust storm after another.

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dust storm British  

noun

1. a windstorm that whips up clouds of dust

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Etymology

Origin of dust storm

First recorded in 1875–80

Example Sentences

In Kansas, at least eight people died after more than 55 vehicles crashed due to a dust storm.

From BBC • Mar. 16, 2025

Those who are in the path of a dust storm should go inside and shut their windows, Wilson said.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 12, 2024

On Saturday, under a cloud-dotted blue sky and before a dust storm rolled in, he spoke of the lack of shade at Silvestre Jr.’s elementary school.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 2, 2024

Combination of newly plowed fields & gusty northwest winds is generating a dust storm in this area.

From Washington Post • May 1, 2023

She frowned and added "Note: five sols until dust storm entry."

From "The Martian" by Andy Weir

Related Words

• sandstorm